Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Fresh Mozzarella: A Flavorful Feast

This recipe for balsamic glazed chicken with fresh mozzarella is a weeknight wonder, a delightful dish that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with ease. The juicy chicken, infused with the rich aroma of balsamic vinegar and garlic, paired with the creamy, delicate mozzarella, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why This Recipe Works

There are countless chicken recipes out there, so what makes this one special? Here are a few reasons why this balsamic chicken with mozzarella will become a new favorite:

* **Flavor Harmony:** The combination of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that complements the chicken perfectly. The sweetness of the balsamic is balanced by the savory garlic and herbs, preventing it from being overly sweet.
* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish can be ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. You can also adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The melted mozzarella and glistening balsamic glaze make this dish visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Healthy-ish:** While the balsamic glaze contains some sugar, this recipe is relatively healthy, especially when served with whole-grain pasta or vegetables. Chicken is a lean protein source, and mozzarella provides calcium and protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Ensure they are of similar thickness for even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Fresh Mozzarella:** 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, sliced. Using fresh mozzarella is crucial for the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so special. Avoid using pre-shredded mozzarella, as it doesn’t melt as well.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 1/2 cup of high-quality balsamic vinegar. The quality of the balsamic vinegar will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for a balsamic vinegar that is thick and syrupy, with a rich, complex flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. You can use a garlic press or mince it finely with a knife.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Dried Italian Herbs:** 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs. This is a blend of herbs commonly used in Italian cooking, typically including oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. You can also use a mix of fresh herbs if you prefer.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the dish.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze drizzle, red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat).

Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

* **Large Skillet:** A large skillet, preferably non-stick, is essential for cooking the chicken and creating the balsamic glaze.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken and garlic.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for slicing the mozzarella and mincing the garlic.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Spatula or Tongs:** For flipping the chicken and transferring it to a serving plate.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create this delicious balsamic chicken with mozzarella:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better in the skillet.
* If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them until they are about 1/2 inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly and quickly.
* In a small bowl, combine the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* Rub the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
* Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly.
* Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze**

* Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Pour in the balsamic vinegar and bring to a simmer.
* Let the balsamic vinegar simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened into a glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

**Step 4: Assemble and Bake (Optional)**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional, but it helps to melt the mozzarella evenly and create a more cohesive dish.
* Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the balsamic glaze.
* Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella.
* If baking, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. If not baking, simply cover the skillet and let the residual heat melt the mozzarella for a few minutes.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the skillet from the oven (if baked) or the stovetop.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional).
* Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure that your balsamic chicken with mozzarella turns out perfectly every time:

* **Use High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar:** The quality of the balsamic vinegar is crucial for the flavor of the glaze. Look for a balsamic vinegar that is thick and syrupy, with a rich, complex flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the Balsamic Glaze to Your Taste:** If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the balsamic vinegar while it’s simmering. If you prefer a more tangy glaze, you can add a splash of lemon juice.
* **Use Fresh Mozzarella:** Fresh mozzarella is essential for the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so special. Avoid using pre-shredded mozzarella, as it doesn’t melt as well.
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Chicken Thighs:** You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Different Cheeses:** While fresh mozzarella is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese.
* **Vegetables:** Add some vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken, such as sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
* **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free balsamic vinegar.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
* **Herbs:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary will add a burst of flavor.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze for a touch of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Balsamic glazed chicken with fresh mozzarella is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Toss the pasta with the balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
* **Rice:** Serve it with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve it with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Salad:** Serve it with a simple green salad.
* **Bread:** Serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious balsamic glaze.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Here are a few make-ahead tips:

* **Prepare the Chicken:** You can season the chicken breasts with the herb mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Balsamic Glaze:** You can make the balsamic glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before using.
* **Slice the Mozzarella:** You can slice the mozzarella up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover balsamic glazed chicken with fresh mozzarella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 10-20g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Enjoy this delightful Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Fresh Mozzarella recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.